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Edmonton's historic Brighton Block is about to get restorative surgery to bring the Edwardian-era building back to life. After lying vacant for nearly 15 years, Primavera Development has appointed Hodgson Schilf Evans Architects to redevelop the three-storey building, also known as the Ernest Brown Block, in a comprehensive project that includes a full restoration of the marquee facade, a complete interior rebuild, and the addition of two glass-enclosed levels.
The vertical extension of the building at 9666 Jasper Avenue will add office and retail space to the 1912-built structure, set back from its cornice to facilitate an outdoor patio with striking river valley views. After years of neglect, new brick and beam bones will return the interior to its former majesty. A Flickr photo album shows the current state of disrepair plaguing the inside of the structure, but not for long, as permits filed with the City of Edmonton in late February point to imminent activity.
One application's job description reads: "To construct EXTERIOR WALL REINFORCING AND DEMOLITION OF INTERIOR FLOORS to stabilize the exterior facade structure in advance of total reconstruction and addition." Another relates to the construction of hoarding on the north sidewalk of Jasper Avenue, and a final permit seeks the installation of an overhead crane.
As evidenced by the bold 'EVERYTHING PHOTOGRAPHIC' prominently displayed on the James Henderson-designed building's parapet, the Brighton Block was constructed for photographer Ernest Brown's fledgling studio and workshop. Brown's business was a resounding success until the end of the First World War, when a recession forced its doors to close. The building was sold to Dominion Life Assurance and then taken over by Credit Foncier, who bestowed the Brighton Block name.
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